Anyone for tennis? Sadly, Oliver Letwin wasn't up for a quick knockabout yesterday.

I wanted to challenge the Tory big-hitter to a game on his private tennis court, which has become embroiled in the expenses scandal.

Mr Letwin, 52, who earns £64,776 as an MP, has claimed £80,000 since 2004 for his second home in Somerset.

Claims on taxpayers included having the Aga serviced, emptying the septic tank and buying heating fuel for the fivebedroom family home near his West Dorset constituency.

In 2006, he wanted £2,145 to fix a leaky pipe under the tennis court. So I turned up in my tennis gear to put it to the test.

Neighbours said the policy chief gets a lot of raquet practice on the court with his family and friends.

But the Old Etonian was nowhere to be found when I called.

The court, however, surrounded by glorious blossoming fruit trees, certainly needs a little extra cash spent on repainting the fading lines and removing some slippery moss.

But neighbour Michael Turner, 62, a dairy farmer who lives opposite, reckons the MP should pay for it out of his own pocket.

Mr Turner said: "The water pipe was put in around 1977. But they built a tennis court over it. Idiots.

"That was before Mr Letwin moved in. Workmen repaired the pipe and I'm disgusted he's able to claim for it. He should pay for it himself.

"I worked 364 days last year milking 36 cows and I only made £364 profit.

"That's the worst year I've had in 41 years as a dairy farmer. We're struggling. "MPs must alter their expenses.

The problem is they make up the rules to suit themselves. He's obviously got to have a home in his constituency, but no one pays for my pipes when they break." Mr Letwin said: "I was served a statutory notice to repair the pipe. The Aga was already installed." Mike